Whale Diving and the Bends

Researchers have discovered that whales avoid decompression sickness, known as the bends, by collapsing their lungs during dives. This prevents nitrogen from entering their bloodstream. Instead of holding air in their lungs, whales shunt it to their upper airway, similar to a nose, to keep it away from their blood. This allows them to safely move air back to their lungs as they ascend slowly. However, if startled, whales may gasp, allowing air into their lungs and risking the bends. Thus, diving requires focus even for whales.

What is the primary reason whales collapse their lungs during dives?

• To reduce buoyancy

• To swim faster

• To avoid the bends

• To conserve oxygen

How do whales prevent nitrogen from entering their bloodstream during a dive?

• By swimming slowly

• By redirecting air to their upper airway

• By collapsing their lungs

• By holding their breath

What happens to the air in a whale's body as it ascends to the surface?

• It is expelled through the blowhole

• It is gradually moved back to the lungs

• It dissolves in the blood

• It remains in the upper airway

What can cause a whale to still get the bends despite their adaptations?

• Holding their breath too long

• Diving too deep

• Swimming too fast

• Being startled and gasping

Why is focus important for whales during dives?

• To maintain their speed

• To avoid predators

• To prevent getting the bends

• To communicate with other whales